Temperature compensation method and ice maker

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of intelligent household appliances, and discloses a temperature compensation method and an ice maker, and the method comprises the steps: obtaining a water temperature value in a water tank and an environment temperature value collected by an environment temperature sensor; according to the physical parameters of the heat preservation layer, the water temperature value and the environment temperature value, the heat flux density between the water tank and the environment temperature sensor is determined; equivalent thermal resistance from the environment temperature sensor to the shell is obtained; determining a temperature compensation value according to the heat flux density and the equivalent thermal resistance; and compensating the environment temperature value according to the temperature compensation value to obtain a compensated environment temperature value. According to the scheme, the accuracy of the compensated environment temperature value can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart home appliance technology, and more specifically, to a temperature compensation method and an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of smart home appliances, ice makers are becoming increasingly widely used. Ice makers typically require the collection of ambient temperature data to estimate ice-making time and demolding time, thereby precisely controlling the ice-making process. In related technologies, an ambient temperature sensor is placed inside the compressor compartment of the ice maker. However, the compressor generates a large amount of heat during operation, causing drastic temperature fluctuations within the compressor compartment. This results in the ambient temperature value collected by the sensor deviating significantly from the actual ambient temperature, subsequently affecting the accuracy of ice-making time estimation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, this application proposes a temperature compensation method and an ice maker to solve the problem that the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor in the ice maker deviates significantly from the actual ambient temperature value in the related art.

[0004] In a first aspect, a temperature compensation method is provided, applied to an ice maker, the ice maker comprising a water tank, an insulation layer, an ambient temperature sensor, and a housing arranged sequentially from the inside out; the method includes: The water temperature in the water tank and the ambient temperature collected by the ambient temperature sensor are obtained. The heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor is determined based on the physical parameters of the insulation layer, the water temperature value, and the ambient temperature value. Obtain the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the housing; The temperature compensation value is determined based on the heat flux density and the equivalent thermal resistance. The ambient temperature value is compensated based on the temperature compensation value to obtain the compensated ambient temperature value.

[0005] Secondly, an ice maker is provided, which includes a water tank, an insulation layer, an ambient temperature sensor, and a housing arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside; the ice maker performs temperature compensation according to the temperature compensation method described above.

[0006] Thirdly, a temperature compensation device is provided for use in an ice maker. The ice maker includes a water tank, an insulation layer, an ambient temperature sensor, and a housing arranged sequentially from the inside out. The temperature compensation device includes: a first acquisition module for acquiring the water temperature value in the water tank and the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor; a first determination module for determining the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor based on the physical parameters of the insulation layer, the water temperature value, and the ambient temperature value; a second acquisition module for acquiring the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the housing; a compensation value determination module for determining a temperature compensation value based on the heat flux density and the equivalent thermal resistance; and a compensation module for compensating the ambient temperature value based on the temperature compensation value to obtain a compensated ambient temperature value.

[0007] Fourthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the temperature compensation method described above.

[0008] Fifthly, a computer program product is provided, including computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the temperature compensation method described above.

[0009] In this application, the ambient temperature sensor in the ice maker is installed between the insulation layer and the outer shell, and the insulation layer is close to the water tank. In the ice maker, the water tank and the compressor compartment are separated from each other. Therefore, the heat generated by the compressor can be avoided from affecting the ambient temperature sensor's temperature acquisition.

[0010] Furthermore, taking into full account the influence of the water temperature in the water tank on the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor, the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor is determined by combining the physical parameters of the insulation layer, the water temperature in the water tank, and the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor. Then, based on the heat flux density and the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the inner wall of the outer shell, a temperature compensation value is determined. This temperature compensation value is the temperature deviation caused by the heat flux density through the heat conduction path from the ambient temperature sensor to the inner wall of the outer shell. Subsequently, the ambient temperature value is compensated based on the temperature compensation value to obtain a compensated ambient temperature value. This ensures that the compensated ambient temperature value is basically close to the actual ambient temperature. Subsequently, the compensated ambient temperature value can be used in the ice maker for precise ice-making control. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a temperature compensation method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating step 120 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating step 130 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a front view of an ice maker provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The ice maker shown is a cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point B.

[0018] Figure 7 This is an isometric view of a bracket according to an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a section at point C. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0022] In the following description, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of objects. It is understood that "first" and "second" may be interchanged in a specific order or sequence where permitted, so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0023] In this document, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects are in an "or" relationship. In the following description, references to "some embodiments or some embodiment methods" describe a subset of all possible embodiments. However, it is understood that "some embodiments" can be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments and can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0024] This application provides a temperature compensation method applied to an ice maker. The ice maker includes a water tank, an insulation layer, an ambient temperature sensor, and a housing arranged sequentially from the inside out. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes: Step 110: Obtain the water temperature value in the water tank and the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor.

[0025] An ambient temperature sensor is used to collect the ambient temperature of the environment where the ice maker is located. The water tank in the ice maker provides the water needed for ice making, serving as the raw material. In this application, the ice maker also includes a water temperature sensor for collecting the water temperature value in the water tank. The water temperature sensor and the ambient temperature sensor can collect temperature data according to a preset cycle. The temperature collection cycles of the water temperature sensor and the ambient temperature sensor can be the same or different; no specific limitation is made here.

[0026] If an ambient temperature value is needed during the operation of the ice maker, the latest ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor can be read, and the latest collected ambient temperature value can be compensated according to the method provided in this application.

[0027] The outer casing can be made of metal, which has high thermal conductivity, reducing the temperature difference between the location of the ambient temperature sensor and the external environment of the ice maker. It's worth noting that, in addition to the water tank, insulation layer, ambient temperature sensor, and outer casing mentioned above, the ice maker also includes other components for ice making, such as a compressor, water pump, ice-making chamber, and ice molds.

[0028] In this application, although the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor are separated by an insulation layer, the insulation layer has a certain thermal conductivity. Therefore, the water temperature in the water tank will affect the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor, causing a deviation between the ambient temperature value collected by the sensor and the actual ambient temperature. Table 1 below shows the ambient temperature values ​​collected by the sensor under different water temperatures and different actual ambient temperatures. In Table 1, the structures of prototypes 1 and 2 are the same as those of the ice maker in this application.

[0029] Table 1 As can be seen from Table 1, due to the influence of the water temperature in the water tank, the ambient temperature values ​​collected by the ambient temperature sensors in prototypes 1 and 2 deviate from the actual ambient temperature.

[0030] Step 120: Determine the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor based on the physical parameters of the insulation layer, the water temperature value, and the ambient temperature value.

[0031] In an ice maker, the water tank, insulation layer, ambient temperature sensor, and outer casing are arranged sequentially from the inside out. Therefore, the water temperature in the tank affects the temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor, causing a significant deviation between the actual ambient temperature value and the real ambient temperature. For example, if the water temperature in the tank is higher than the actual ambient temperature, heat will be transferred outward through the insulation layer, making the temperature at the location of the ambient temperature sensor higher, resulting in an ambient temperature value collected by the sensor that is higher than the actual ambient temperature.

[0032] Heat flux density, also known as heat transfer density, is the amount of heat energy passing through a unit area per unit time, reflecting the rate and direction of heat transfer. Therefore, the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor reflects the rate and direction of heat transfer between their locations. The direction of heat transfer is from the high-temperature region to the low-temperature region.

[0033] The physical parameters of the insulation layer include its thickness and thermal conductivity. A thinner insulation layer results in a faster rate of heat transfer between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor. Conversely, a higher thermal conductivity results in a faster rate of heat transfer between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor.

[0034] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, step 120 includes steps 210 and 220, which are described in detail below: Step 210: Calculate the temperature difference between the water temperature and the ambient temperature.

[0035] The absolute value of the difference between the water temperature value and the ambient temperature value can be used as the temperature difference between the water temperature value and the ambient temperature value.

[0036] Step 220: Calculate the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor based on the temperature difference and the physical parameters of the insulation layer.

[0037] It is understandable that when the water temperature is higher than the ambient temperature, the direction of the heat flux density between the water tank and the location of the ambient temperature sensor is from the water tank to the location of the ambient temperature sensor. In this case, the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor is higher than the actual ambient temperature.

[0038] When the water temperature is lower than the ambient temperature, the direction of the heat flux density between the water tank and the location of the ambient temperature sensor is from the location of the ambient temperature sensor towards the water tank. In this case, the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor is lower than the actual ambient temperature.

[0039] Please continue reading. Figure 2 Step 220 includes the following steps 221-222: Step 221: Calculate the temperature gradient between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor based on the temperature difference and the thickness of the insulation layer.

[0040] The ratio of temperature difference to insulation layer thickness can be calculated as the temperature gradient between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor.

[0041] Step 222: Multiply the thermal conductivity of the insulation layer by the temperature gradient to obtain the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor.

[0042] The heat flux density q between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor can be determined using the following formula: ;(Formula 1) Where k is the thermal conductivity of the insulation layer; This refers to the water temperature value. d represents the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor; d represents the thickness of the insulation layer. This refers to the temperature gradient between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor.

[0043] Step 130: Obtain the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the housing.

[0044] Since the ambient temperature sensor is not located in the external environment of the ice maker, theoretically, the ambient temperature outside the casing is the actual ambient temperature. There is still a certain space between the location of the ambient temperature sensor and the casing, and substances in this space (such as air) can still conduct heat; that is, there is a heat conduction path from the ambient temperature sensor to the casing. Therefore, the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor will produce a temperature deviation after passing through the heat conduction path from the ambient temperature sensor to the casing. This temperature deviation can be understood as the temperature difference between the temperature outside the ice maker's casing and the temperature at the location of the ambient temperature sensor. The temperature outside the ice maker's casing is the actual ambient temperature. The thermal resistance of the heat conduction path from the ambient temperature sensor to the inner wall of the casing is called the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the inner wall of the casing.

[0045] In some embodiments, when the housing itself has good thermal conductivity (e.g., the housing is made of a metallic material), the temperature of the inner wall of the housing is approximately equal to the temperature of the outer wall, and the temperature of the outer wall is approximately the actual ambient temperature, i.e., the following relationship exists: ;(Formula 2) This indicates the temperature of the inner wall of the outer casing. Indicates the temperature outside the casing. This indicates the actual ambient temperature.

[0046] In this case, the thermal resistance from the housing can be disregarded. Therefore, the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the housing can be the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the inner wall of the housing. The equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the inner wall of the housing is determined by the material (such as air) through which heat is conducted between the probe of the ambient temperature sensor and the inner wall of the housing.

[0047] In some embodiments, the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the housing can be determined by fitting the collected test data, as described below.

[0048] Step 140: Determine the temperature compensation value based on the heat flux density and equivalent thermal resistance.

[0049] The temperature compensation value can be obtained by multiplying the heat flux density by the equivalent thermal resistance. That is, the temperature compensation value is determined according to the following formula 3. : ;(Formula 3) This refers to the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the outer casing. This equivalent thermal resistance is determined by the structure of the heat conduction path from the ambient temperature sensor to the outer casing in the ice maker, and can be a constant calibrated in advance through experiments.

[0050] The calculated temperature compensation value is the temperature deviation caused by the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor along the heat conduction path from the ambient temperature sensor to the outer casing. In other words, this temperature compensation value is the temperature difference between the location of the ambient temperature sensor and the outer casing caused by the heat flux density between the water tank and the location of the ambient temperature sensor. The temperature at the outer casing is approximated as the actual ambient temperature; the temperature at the location of the ambient temperature sensor is the ambient temperature value collected by the sensor.

[0051] Step 150: Compensate the ambient temperature value based on the temperature compensation value to obtain the compensated ambient temperature value.

[0052] In some embodiments, step 150 includes: if the water temperature value is higher than the ambient temperature value, subtracting the ambient temperature value from the temperature compensation value to obtain the compensated ambient temperature value; if the water temperature value is not higher than the ambient temperature value, adding the ambient temperature value to the temperature compensation value to obtain the compensated ambient temperature value.

[0053] When the water temperature is higher than the ambient temperature, heat will be transferred outward through the insulation layer, causing the ambient temperature sensor to register an higher value than the actual ambient temperature. Therefore, in this situation, the ambient temperature value registered by the sensor is subtracted from the temperature compensation value to obtain the compensated ambient temperature value.

[0054] When the water temperature is not higher than the ambient temperature, especially when the water temperature is lower than the ambient temperature, heat is transferred inward through the insulation layer, causing the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor to be lower than the actual ambient temperature. Therefore, in this case, the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor is added to the temperature compensation value to obtain the compensated ambient temperature value.

[0055] By using the above method, the compensated ambient temperature value can be made to be close to the actual ambient temperature, thus ensuring the accuracy of the obtained compensated ambient temperature value.

[0056] In some embodiments, after step 150, the method further includes: performing ice-making control based on the compensated ambient temperature value.

[0057] For example, the compensated ambient temperature value can be used as the actual ambient temperature, and combined with the temperature of the water added to the ice-making chamber, to predict the ice-making time. Subsequently, the compressor in the ice maker can be precisely controlled based on the predicted ice-making time. Another example is that after ice making is complete, the de-icing time at the current ambient temperature (i.e., the compensated ambient temperature value) can be estimated based on the compensated ambient temperature value, and the compressor can be controlled according to this de-icing time to remove the ice from the mold.

[0058] In this application, the ambient temperature sensor in the ice maker is installed between the insulation layer and the outer shell, and the insulation layer is close to the water tank. In the ice maker, the water tank and the compressor compartment are separated from each other. Therefore, the heat generated by the compressor can be avoided from affecting the ambient temperature sensor's temperature acquisition.

[0059] Furthermore, taking into full account the influence of the water temperature in the water tank on the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor, the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor is determined by combining the physical parameters of the insulation layer, the water temperature in the water tank, and the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor. Then, based on the heat flux density and the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the inner wall of the outer shell, a temperature compensation value is determined. This temperature compensation value is the temperature deviation caused by the heat flux density through the heat conduction path from the ambient temperature sensor to the inner wall of the outer shell. Subsequently, the ambient temperature value is compensated based on the temperature compensation value to obtain a compensated ambient temperature value. This ensures that the compensated ambient temperature value is basically close to the actual ambient temperature. Subsequently, the compensated ambient temperature value can be used in the ice maker for precise ice-making control.

[0060] In related technologies, the ambient temperature sensor is placed at the air inlet of the compressor compartment in the ice maker. While this brings the sensor closer to the outside of the ice maker, the circulating airflow within the compressor compartment may prevent it from directly sensing changes in the external ambient temperature. Furthermore, the compressor generates a significant amount of heat during operation, causing drastic temperature fluctuations within the compressor compartment. This fluctuation can affect the ambient temperature sensor, resulting in a reading that deviates considerably from the actual ambient temperature. Additionally, since the ambient temperature sensor is typically an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor, the drastic temperature fluctuations within the compressor compartment can also shorten its lifespan.

[0061] In this application, the ambient temperature sensor is positioned between the insulation layer and the outer shell. The insulation layer is located outside the water tank, and the sensor is far from the compressor in the ice maker. This effectively avoids the impact of drastic temperature fluctuations during compressor operation on the sensor. Furthermore, experiments have shown that placing the sensor between the insulation layer and the outer shell results in a smaller deviation between the detected ambient temperature and the actual ambient temperature compared to placing the sensor at the air inlet of the compressor compartment. This prevents the ambient temperature value from deviating significantly from the actual ambient temperature.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, step 130 may include the following steps 310-340: Step 310: Obtain multiple sets of test data; wherein, each set of test data includes the sensed ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor in the sample ice maker, the actual ambient temperature value in the environment where the sample ice maker is located, and the reference water temperature value in the water tank of the sample ice maker.

[0063] The sample ice maker can have the same structure as the ice maker mentioned above. The sample ice maker also has a water tank, insulation layer, ambient temperature sensor and outer shell arranged in sequence from the inside to the outside. The physical parameters of the insulation layer are the same and the spacing between the insulation layer and the outer shell is also the same.

[0064] For ease of description, the temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor in the sample ice maker is called the sensed ambient temperature value. The water temperature value in the water tank of the sample ice maker is called the reference water temperature value.

[0065] The time interval between the acquisition of the sensed ambient temperature value, the actual ambient temperature value, and the reference water temperature value in the same set of test data is less than the time threshold. This ensures that the sensed ambient temperature value, the actual ambient temperature value, and the reference water temperature value in the same set of test data are acquired basically simultaneously or within a short period of time.

[0066] Step 320: Calculate the temperature deviation between the sensed ambient temperature value and the actual ambient temperature value in each group of test data.

[0067] Calculate the absolute value of the difference between the sensed ambient temperature value and the actual ambient temperature value in a set of test data to obtain the corresponding temperature deviation.

[0068] Step 330: Determine the heat flux density corresponding to each set of test data based on the physical parameters of the insulation layer, the sensed ambient temperature value and the reference water temperature value in each set of test data.

[0069] Similarly, the physical parameters of the insulation layer in the sample ice maker include the thickness and thermal conductivity of the insulation layer. In step 330, the heat flux density corresponding to each set of test data can be calculated according to Formula 1 above.

[0070] Step 340: Based on the heat flux density and temperature deviation corresponding to multiple sets of test data, perform equivalent thermal resistance fitting to obtain the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the housing.

[0071] As shown in Formula 3, for a set of test data, the product of the heat flux density corresponding to the test data and the equivalent thermal resistance is equal to the temperature deviation corresponding to the test data (the temperature deviation between the sensed ambient temperature value and the actual ambient temperature value in the test data). Therefore, when the temperature deviation and the heat flux density corresponding to the test data are known, an equivalent thermal resistance can be determined accordingly.

[0072] By combining N sets of test data, N equivalent thermal resistances (N being a positive integer greater than 1) can be determined. In some embodiments, the average value of these N equivalent thermal resistances can be used as the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the inner wall of the housing. In other embodiments, the equivalent thermal resistance at a specified percentile among these N equivalent thermal resistances can be used as the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the inner wall of the housing. The specified percentile can be set according to actual needs, for example, 50%, 60%, 70%, etc.

[0073] In passing Figure 3 After determining the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the inner wall of the housing, the process shown can write this equivalent thermal resistance into the memory of each ice maker. In this way, each ice maker can read the equivalent thermal resistance from the memory and compensate for the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor according to the embodiment described above.

[0074] This application also provides an ice maker. Figure 4 An example is shown: a front view of an ice maker. Figure 5 The ice maker is shown along Figure 4 Sectional view of AA, Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point B, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the ice maker includes a water tank 410, an insulation layer 420, an ambient temperature sensor 440, and a housing 460 arranged sequentially from the inside out. Furthermore, the ice maker also includes a memory and a processor. Figure 4 (Not shown in the image) The memory stores computer instructions, which, when executed by the processor, implement the temperature compensation method described above.

[0075] like Figure 6As shown, a bracket 430 is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the insulation layer 420, and the bracket 430 is embedded in the outer wall of the insulation layer 420. A groove is provided in the bracket 430, and the ambient temperature sensor 440 is located in the groove of the bracket 430. Furthermore, to ensure the fixed position of the ambient temperature sensor 440 on the bracket 430, a top cover 450 is detachably fastened to the groove of the bracket 430, ensuring that the ambient temperature sensor 440 is located in the receiving space formed by the fastening of the groove of the bracket and the top cover 450.

[0076] Figure 7 An example is shown in the axonometric view of the bracket, such as Figure 7 As shown, the bracket 430 is generally U-shaped and mates with the insulation layer 420 located on three adjacent sides. Correspondingly, a first groove is provided on the insulation layer 420 at the position for mounting the bracket. This first groove is used to accommodate and mate with the bracket 430. Hooks or slots are provided on the outer wall of the bracket 430 near the insulation layer for engaging with the locking points or ribs on the insulation layer 420, ensuring that the bracket 430 is fixedly installed on the insulation layer 420. Alternatively, the back side of the bracket 430 near the insulation layer 420 can be glued to the insulation layer 420. In some embodiments, the bracket 430 can be made of engineering plastics (such as PP or ABS) with a certain strength and elasticity.

[0077] An ambient temperature sensor 440 can be slidably mounted in a groove 431 of a bracket 430. The groove 431 in the bracket 430 can be U-shaped. The probe of the ambient temperature sensor 440 is mounted in the groove 431 of the bracket 430, and the two sides of the groove 431 limit the movement of the probe of the ambient temperature sensor 440. The mounting position of the ambient temperature sensor 440 on the bracket 430 can be adjusted as needed.

[0078] In some embodiments, the probe of the ambient temperature sensor 440 can be wrapped with aluminum foil before being installed in the groove 431 of the bracket 430. Aluminum foil has strong thermal conductivity, thus, a rapid heat conduction path can be constructed from the housing 460 to the probe of the ambient temperature sensor 440 by utilizing the excellent thermal conductivity of aluminum foil.

[0079] The extension direction of the groove 431 in the bracket 430 is the same as the extension direction of the bracket 430. The groove 431 in the bracket 430 is relatively long. When the probe of the ambient temperature sensor 440 is installed in the groove 431 in the bracket 430, it occupies a small part of the space in the groove 431. The remaining unoccupied space in the groove 431 can accommodate the cable 441 of the ambient temperature sensor 440. In this way, the groove 431 in the bracket 430 plays a guiding role for the cable 441 of the ambient temperature sensor 440, which facilitates the orderly wiring of the cable 441 of the ambient temperature sensor 440.

[0080] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a section at point C, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the upper and lower sides of the top cover 450 mate with the upper and lower sides of the groove 431 of the bracket 430. Furthermore, the surface of the top cover 450 near the outer casing is provided with several vents 451. These vents 451 allow the "heat flow" (heat flow caused by changes in the external ambient temperature) on the inner wall of the outer casing 460 to act more directly on the probe of the ambient temperature sensor 440, or to first act on the probe of the ambient temperature sensor 440 wrapped with aluminum foil, and then be transferred to the probe of the ambient temperature sensor 440, thereby improving the temperature response speed of the ambient temperature sensor 440.

[0081] In this embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown, to better guide the cable of the ambient temperature sensor 440, pairs of protrusions 432 are provided in the groove 431 of the bracket 430 in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the bracket 430. The pairs of protrusions 432 are spaced apart from each other. Multiple pairs of protrusions 432 arranged along the extending direction of the bracket 430 form a conductor space (also called a cable channel) for the cable 441 to pass through, thereby confining the cable 441 in a small conductor space. The cable 441 can be easily embedded in this cable channel, thereby achieving the guidance, straightening and pre-fixation of the cable 441, and avoiding the cable 441 from becoming messy or being squeezed by other components.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the bracket is fixed to the outer wall of the insulation layer by adhesive backing and snap-fit. The bracket is U-shaped and cooperates with the three adjacent sides of the insulation layer to form a U-shaped surrounding limit. In addition, the space formed by the upper cover being snapped into the groove of the bracket is used to accommodate the ambient temperature sensor. In this way, the ambient temperature sensor is constrained in three directions, ensuring that the ambient temperature sensor is reliably and firmly fixed, can resist vibration and prevent falling off, and ensure the long-term stability of the position of the ambient temperature sensor.

[0083] Furthermore, the bracket features a U-shaped groove and paired protrusions along its extension direction to form a cable-holding groove. This not only facilitates the installation of the ambient temperature sensor probe but also guides the sensor cable. The snap-on design of the top cover allows for quick installation and subsequent maintenance, making assembly convenient and easy to manufacture. The bracket is U-shaped overall, with a groove extending in the same direction as the bracket. The ambient temperature sensor probe can be installed at any position within this groove, allowing users to flexibly choose the probe's mounting location as needed.

[0084] The ice maker provided in this application can dynamically compensate for the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor by combining the water temperature value in the water tank and the physical parameters of the insulation layer according to the above method. This eliminates the inherent thermal interference error caused by installing the ambient temperature sensor between the insulation layer and the outer shell on the outside of the water tank, ensuring that the compensated ambient temperature value is close to the actual ambient temperature and ensuring the accuracy of the compensated ambient temperature value. Subsequently, the compensated ambient temperature value can be used to accurately control the ice-making process.

[0085] This application also provides a temperature compensation device applied to an ice maker. The ice maker includes a water tank, an insulation layer, an ambient temperature sensor, and a housing arranged sequentially from the inside out. The temperature compensation device includes: a first acquisition module for acquiring the water temperature value in the water tank and the ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor; a first determination module for determining the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor based on the physical parameters of the insulation layer, the water temperature value, and the ambient temperature value; a second acquisition module for acquiring the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the housing; a compensation value determination module for determining a temperature compensation value based on the heat flux density and the equivalent thermal resistance; and a compensation module for compensating the ambient temperature value based on the temperature compensation value to obtain a compensated ambient temperature value.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first determining module includes: a temperature difference calculation unit for calculating the temperature difference between the water temperature value and the ambient temperature value; and a heat flux density determining unit for calculating the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor based on the temperature difference and the physical parameters of the insulation layer.

[0087] In some embodiments, the physical parameters include the thickness and thermal conductivity of the insulation layer; the heat flux density determination unit is configured to: calculate the temperature gradient between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor based on the temperature difference and the thickness of the insulation layer; and multiply the thermal conductivity of the insulation layer and the temperature gradient to obtain the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor.

[0088] In some embodiments, the compensation module is configured to: if the water temperature value is higher than the ambient temperature value, subtract the ambient temperature value from the temperature compensation value to obtain the compensated ambient temperature value; if the water temperature value is not higher than the ambient temperature value, add the ambient temperature value to the temperature compensation value to obtain the compensated ambient temperature value.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second acquisition module includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring multiple sets of test data; wherein each set of test data includes a sensed ambient temperature value collected by an ambient temperature sensor in the sample ice maker, an actual ambient temperature value in the environment where the sample ice maker is located, and a reference water temperature value in the water tank of the sample ice maker; a temperature deviation calculation unit for calculating the temperature deviation between the sensed ambient temperature value and the actual ambient temperature value in each set of test data; a first determination unit for determining the heat flux density corresponding to each set of test data based on the physical parameters of the insulation layer, the sensed ambient temperature value, and the reference water temperature value in each set of test data; and a fitting unit for performing equivalent thermal resistance fitting based on the heat flux density and the corresponding temperature deviation of the multiple sets of test data to obtain the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the outer shell.

[0090] In some embodiments, the temperature compensation device further includes a control module for controlling ice making based on the compensated ambient temperature value.

[0091] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the temperature compensation method described above.

[0092] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of an ice maker reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and executes the computer instructions, causing the ice maker to perform the methods of any of the above embodiments.

[0093] It should be noted that although several modules or units for the device used to perform actions have been mentioned in the detailed description above, this division is not mandatory. In fact, according to the embodiments of this application, the features and functions of two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. Conversely, the features and functions of one module or unit described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple modules or units.

[0094] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the exemplary embodiments described herein can be implemented by software or by combining software with necessary hardware. Therefore, the technical solutions according to the embodiments of this application can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (such as a CD-ROM, USB flash drive, external hard drive, etc.) or on a network, including several instructions to cause a computing device (such as a personal computer, server, touch terminal, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods according to the embodiments of this application.

[0095] Other embodiments of this application will readily conceive of by those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A temperature compensation method, characterized in that, Applied to an ice maker, the ice maker comprising a water tank, an insulation layer, an ambient temperature sensor, and a housing arranged sequentially from the inside out; the method includes: The water temperature in the water tank and the ambient temperature collected by the ambient temperature sensor are obtained. The heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor is determined based on the physical parameters of the insulation layer, the water temperature value, and the ambient temperature value. Obtain the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the housing; The temperature compensation value is determined based on the heat flux density and the equivalent thermal resistance. The ambient temperature value is compensated based on the temperature compensation value to obtain the compensated ambient temperature value.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor based on the physical parameters of the insulation layer, the water temperature, and the ambient temperature includes: Calculate the temperature difference between the water temperature value and the ambient temperature value; The heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor is calculated based on the temperature difference and the physical parameters of the insulation layer.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The physical parameters include the thickness and thermal conductivity of the insulation layer; The step of calculating the heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor based on the temperature difference and the physical parameters of the insulation layer includes: Calculate the temperature gradient between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor based on the temperature difference and the thickness of the insulation layer; The heat flux density between the water tank and the ambient temperature sensor is obtained by multiplying the thermal conductivity of the insulation layer by the temperature gradient.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the housing includes: Multiple sets of test data are acquired; wherein each set of test data includes the sensed ambient temperature value collected by the ambient temperature sensor in the sample ice maker, the actual ambient temperature value in the environment where the sample ice maker is located, and the reference water temperature value in the water tank of the sample ice maker. Calculate the temperature deviation between the sensed ambient temperature value and the actual ambient temperature value in each group of test data; Based on the physical parameters of the insulation layer, the sensed ambient temperature value and the reference water temperature value in each set of test data, determine the heat flux density corresponding to each set of test data; The equivalent thermal resistance from the ambient temperature sensor to the housing is obtained by fitting the equivalent thermal resistance based on the heat flux density and temperature deviation corresponding to the multiple sets of test data.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the temperature compensation value based on the heat flux density and the equivalent thermal resistance includes: The temperature compensation value is obtained by multiplying the heat flux density by the equivalent thermal resistance.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of compensating the ambient temperature value based on the temperature compensation value to obtain the compensated ambient temperature value includes: If the water temperature value is higher than the ambient temperature value, the ambient temperature value is subtracted from the temperature compensation value to obtain the compensated ambient temperature value. If the water temperature value is not higher than the ambient temperature value, the ambient temperature value is added to the temperature compensation value to obtain the compensated ambient temperature value.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After compensating the ambient temperature value based on the temperature compensation value to obtain the compensated ambient temperature value, the method further includes: Ice-making is controlled based on the compensated ambient temperature value.

8. An ice maker, characterized in that, The ice maker includes a water tank, an insulation layer, an ambient temperature sensor, and a housing arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside; the ice maker performs temperature compensation according to the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that, A U-shaped bracket is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the insulation layer, and the ambient temperature sensor is slidably mounted on the bracket.

10. The ice maker according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bracket has a groove along its extension direction, and the ambient temperature sensor is slidably mounted in the groove. The groove also accommodates the cable of the ambient temperature sensor.

11. The ice maker according to claim 10, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes a top cover, which is detachably fastened to the groove, and the ambient temperature sensor is located in the receiving space formed by the groove and the top cover fastening together.

12. The ice maker according to claim 11, characterized in that, The top cover has several air holes on its surface near the outer shell.

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